Indiana University-South Bend
Sustainability Studies
Field of study · South Bend, Indiana, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
South Bend
Intl. Tuition
US$23,446 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$8,616 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Sustainability Studies at Indiana University-South Bend in South Bend, Indiana, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Liberal arts graduates develop broad critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that open doors across the civil service, management, education, journalism, law and the non-profit sector. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
Student life (indicative)
South Bend offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
3,933
Staff Ratio
15.0:1
International
1.6%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
38%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Sustainability Studies
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Sustainability Studies topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Sustainability Studies
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
3,933
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
15:1
Students per staff
International Students
2%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
South Bend offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- South Bend offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
38%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Liberal arts graduates develop broad critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that open doors across the civil service, management, education, journalism, law and the non-profit sector. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
- Liberal arts graduates develop broad critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that open doors across the civil service, management, education, journalism, law and the non-profit sector.
- Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$93,784
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,525/month budget (housing $880, food $355, transport $80) covers everything comfortably. Bloomington is a beautiful, affordable college town — great value for a flagship Big Ten experience.
- A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,525/month budget (housing $880, food $355, transport $80) covers everything comfortably.
- Bloomington is a beautiful, affordable college town — great value for a flagship Big Ten experience.